Which Montana State Park Will Be Banning Alcohol?

They refer to is as a "Grand Little Canyon." Maybe its sometimes-tricky terrain had something to do with the decision.

Montana State Parks announced this week that beginning Friday, March 1, no alcoholic beverages will be allowed in Sluice Boxes State Park, south of Great Falls off Highway 89, near the town of Belt. Its cliffs and ledges over Belt Creek make for some spectacular scenery, but perhaps not conducive to navigation after a few brewskies.

Whatever the collective reasons, Montana State Parks received the support of local law enforcement and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to make this step, in an effort to reduce the risk of accidents due to intoxication and reduce the amount of alcohol-related litter left behind.

Managers believe the alcohol ban will improve the overall experience at Sluice Boxes, especially for families, and lower the risk of injuries and the need for search and rescue efforts, which have increased over the past few years.